AgWest Farm Credit Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

AgWest Farm Credit has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human resources, and regional market development.

Rooted in a century of agricultural support, AgWest Farm Credit delivers essential financial solutions to farmers, ranchers, and timber harvesters while maintaining a commitment to the long-term prosperity of Western producers.

Leadership Roles at AgWest Farm Credit

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Kenneth Graff
  • Chief Operating Officer - Denise Warkomski
  • President, State (Washington) - Sonja Jensen
  • Southwest President - Marc Ehlers
  • Specialized Lending President - Boswell Candy
  • Arizona State President - David Penney
  • Montana President - Megan Shroyer
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Kathy Payne
  • Kenneth Graff - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kenneth Graff, the President & Chief Executive Officer at AgWest Farm Credit, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire agricultural lending cooperative. Graff architects long-term growth initiatives that ensure financial stability for farmers, ranchers, and timber harvesters across the Western United States. By aligning corporate objectives with the evolving needs of aquatic producers, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the organization's competitive market position. Kenneth Graff collaborates closely with the Board to oversee capital allocation and risk management frameworks essential for cooperative health. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with key industry stakeholders to expand the reach of lending services. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence. Ultimately, Graff secures the future of the cooperative by balancing prudent fiscal management with a deep commitment to the agricultural communities served by the institution.

    Denise Warkomski - Chief Operating Officer

    Denise Warkomski, the Chief Operating Officer at AgWest Farm Credit, manages the daily execution of lending operations and internal business processes. Warkomski optimizes the delivery of financial products to ensure seamless service for agricultural clients throughout the West. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances organizational efficiency and reduces friction in the loan application process. Denise Warkomski coordinates with regional leadership to implement standardized operational protocols that support consistent service quality across diverse geographic markets. This role involves monitoring performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement and resource allocation. Through the integration of advanced technology into lending workflows, the Chief Operating Officer drives digital transformation efforts. Ultimately, Warkomski ensures that the cooperative maintains the operational agility required to meet the complex demands of modern farming, ranching, and timber harvesting enterprises.

    Sonja Jensen - President, State (Washington)

    Sonja Jensen, the President, State (Washington) at AgWest Farm Credit, directs all lending activities and client relationships within the Washington market. Jensen architects localized financial strategies that address the specific requirements of Washington-based farmers and timber harvesters. By overseeing regional loan portfolios, the President, State (Washington) ensures that the cooperative provides tailored credit solutions that drive local agricultural success. Sonja Jensen manages a team of loan officers to maintain high standards of service and risk assessment. This leadership role involves engaging with regional agricultural associations to understand market trends and emerging challenges. Through the active management of regional assets, the President, State (Washington) drives growth and market penetration within the state. Ultimately, Jensen strengthens the cooperative's presence by delivering reliable financial support to the diverse agricultural producers operating throughout the Washington landscape.
    Sonja Jensen

    Marc Ehlers - Southwest President

    Marc Ehlers, the Southwest President at AgWest Farm Credit, oversees the strategic expansion and service delivery across the Southwest region. Ehlers architects financial programs tailored to the unique needs of ranchers and aquatic producers operating in this expansive territory. By managing regional lending operations, the Southwest President ensures that the cooperative remains a primary financial partner for local agricultural enterprises. Marc Ehlers coordinates with corporate leadership to align regional goals with the broader mission of the organization. This leadership role involves analyzing regional economic data to inform credit decisions and risk mitigation strategies. Through the cultivation of strong client relationships, the Southwest President drives business development and portfolio growth. Ultimately, Ehlers secures the cooperative's influence in the Southwest by providing consistent, expert financial guidance to the producers who form the backbone of the regional economy.

    Boswell Candy - Specialized Lending President

    Boswell Candy, the Specialized Lending President at AgWest Farm Credit, directs the development and management of complex financial products for niche agricultural sectors. Candy architects lending solutions for high-value operations, including large-scale timber harvesters and specialized aquatic producers. By focusing on the unique capital requirements of these industries, the Specialized Lending President ensures that the cooperative provides competitive and flexible financing options. Boswell Candy collaborates with risk management teams to evaluate the specific market dynamics affecting specialized agricultural segments. This leadership role involves identifying new opportunities for product innovation to meet the evolving needs of sophisticated producers. Through the oversight of specialized portfolios, the Specialized Lending President drives revenue diversification and long-term stability. Ultimately, Candy maintains the cooperative's reputation for expertise by delivering precise financial instruments that support the growth of complex agricultural businesses across the West.

    David Penney - Arizona State President

    David Penney, the Arizona State President at AgWest Farm Credit, manages the delivery of agricultural lending services throughout the Arizona market. Penney architects regional initiatives that support the specific needs of Arizona farmers and ranchers, particularly those managing water-intensive or arid-climate operations. By overseeing the local loan portfolio, the Arizona State President ensures that the cooperative provides essential capital to sustain regional agricultural productivity. David Penney coordinates with local stakeholders to monitor market conditions and adjust lending strategies accordingly. This leadership role involves fostering deep connections with the Arizona agricultural community to ensure the cooperative remains a trusted financial partner. Through the effective management of regional resources, the Arizona State President drives portfolio performance and client satisfaction. Ultimately, Penney strengthens the cooperative's footprint in Arizona by providing reliable, expert financial support to the producers who navigate the unique challenges of the desert agricultural environment.

    Megan Shroyer - Montana President

    Megan Shroyer, the Montana President at AgWest Farm Credit, directs all lending operations and business development efforts within the Montana region. Shroyer architects financial strategies that cater to the specific demands of Montana's extensive ranching and farming sectors. By overseeing the regional loan portfolio, the Montana President ensures that the cooperative provides the necessary liquidity to support large-scale agricultural operations. Megan Shroyer manages local teams to maintain high standards of credit analysis and client service. This leadership role involves engaging with regional agricultural leaders to stay informed about industry shifts and economic pressures. Through the active management of regional market presence, the Montana President drives growth and enhances the cooperative's competitive standing. Ultimately, Shroyer secures the cooperative's position as a vital financial resource by delivering tailored credit solutions that empower Montana producers to thrive in a challenging agricultural landscape.

    Kathy Payne - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kathy Payne, the Chief Human Resources Officer at AgWest Farm Credit, designs and executes the talent management strategy for the entire cooperative. Payne architects programs focused on recruitment, professional development, and employee retention to support the specialized needs of agricultural finance professionals. By fostering a culture of high performance, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of serving Western producers. Kathy Payne oversees compensation structures and benefits administration to attract top-tier talent in a competitive financial market. This leadership role involves partnering with executive peers to address organizational design and succession planning. Through the implementation of comprehensive training initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives internal capability building. Ultimately, Payne cultivates a professional environment that empowers staff to deliver exceptional service to farmers, ranchers, and aquatic producers across the region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AgWest Farm Credit Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AgWest Farm Credit?
    AgWest Farm Credit is led by Kenneth Graff (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Denise Warkomski (Chief Operating Officer) and Sonja Jensen (President, State (Washington)).
    Who is part of AgWest Farm Credit’s executive team?
    The executive team of AgWest Farm Credit includes leaders such as Kenneth Graff (President & Chief Executive Officer), Denise Warkomski (Chief Operating Officer), Sonja Jensen (President, State (Washington)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AgWest Farm Credit have?
    AgWest Farm Credit has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AgWest Farm Credit’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AgWest Farm Credit includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, State (Washington), Southwest President, Specialized Lending President.